THE number of COVID-19 patients in Qatar rose to 494 as of the data released by the Ministry of Public Health (MoPH) yesterday. The global figure is alarming as 300,000 patients have been infected worldwide, while the death toll has surpassed the 13,000 mark. In what appears to be promising in Qatar is the recovery of 33 patients and the tight measures taken by Qatar’s leadership to curb the spread of virus further. The measures put in place by the Qatari administration even from the beginning of this outbreak and the supporting role played by various Qatari institutions deserve huge round of applause. The additional measures issued by the Prime Minister and Minister of Interior, H E Sheikh Khalid bin Khalifa bin Abdulaziz Al Thani, came at the right time and these measures will definitely help to restrain the pandemic even stronger.
The new measures prevent all forms of gathering, by the power of law, including but not limited to Corniche; public parks and beaches; and social gatherings, in continuation of the efforts exerted by the State to combat coronavirus. Decision was also taken to deploy mobile patrols and arrest anyone who violates this decision. The move to set up checkpoints in different regions of the country and dedicate a hotline for reporting any violations in this regard underlines the utmost commitment of the nation in effectively handling the crisis. By fixing maximum selling price for food, fish, vegetables, face masks and other necessary commodities, the Qatari leadership has sent a clear message to fraudsters and ensured a fair living for public during this difficult time. The arrest of 19 Qatari citizens for violating home quarantine norms was also a bold move by the leadership. The Spokesperson of the Supreme Committee for Crisis Management, H E Lolwah bint Rashid bin Mohammed Al Khater, reiterated that the State of Qatar, with all its relevant organs and bodies, is doing everything it can to preserve the safety of society and to contain the virus without human losses.
By adjusting the timings of healthcare services and by suspending and rearranging various facilities, the nation supported its people . The timely updates through media on the measures to be taken and new developments associated with it have really helped public, who were left puzzled by the outbreak. The virtual learning classes launched the Ministry of Education and Higher Education is the finest example to show how the nation equips its people to fight COVID-19. Committed, steadfast and unfazed, the nation as a team, under the wise leadership of Amir H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, will curb this menace without further delay and without any loss of lives.
